Delight
In a world where schedules are filled, demands are high, and distractions are constant, choosing “delight” as your word of the year offers a transformative shift in perspective. To delight in Christ is to live with joy and gratitude, finding our deepest pleasure and satisfaction in God and His ways. It is about recognizing God’s goodness in our lives and allowing His presence to fill our hearts with joy and peace. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to delight in Christ, practical ways to live this out in 2025, and key Scriptures to focus on throughout the year.
What Does It Mean to Delight in Christ?
To delight in Christ means to find joy, pleasure, and contentment in Him above all else. The Bible frequently speaks about delight, inviting us to see God not as a distant figure but as a loving Father who wants us to experience His goodness fully. In Psalm 37:4, we read:
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
This verse reveals that when we find our delight in God, our hearts align with His, and we begin to desire what He desires. Delighting in Christ isn’t just about feeling happy; it’s a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing God and trusting in His love and promises.
In a culture often focused on productivity, success, and personal gain, delighting in Christ is a radical choice to find contentment and joy in a relationship with God. It means pausing to notice God’s blessings, being grateful for His grace, and allowing His love to be the source of our joy.
Embracing "Delight" as Your Word of the Year
Choosing “delight” as your word for the year is an invitation to approach each day with a heart open to joy and gratitude. Here are some ways to embrace “delight” in 2025:
1. Start Your Day with Praise and Gratitude
One way to cultivate delight in Christ is to begin each day with a spirit of gratitude and praise. As soon as you wake up, take a moment to thank God for who He is, for His love, and for His presence in your life. You might list three things you’re grateful for or say a simple prayer of thanksgiving. Psalm 118:24 says:
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Starting your day with praise sets a tone of joy and delight, reminding you to focus on God’s goodness throughout the day.
2. Spend Time with God’s Word
God’s Word is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and the truth of His love for us. Spending time in Scripture helps us deepen our relationship with God and keeps our focus on Him. Delighting in God’s Word is a recurring theme in the Bible, especially in Psalm 1:2:
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
Reading the Bible daily and reflecting on its meaning invites us to discover God’s character and promises, filling us with hope and joy.
3. Reflect on God’s Goodness in All Things
To delight in Christ, learn to see His hand in every moment, big and small. Whether it’s a breathtaking sunset, a good conversation, or a simple cup of coffee, recognize God’s goodness in the details of your life. This practice of mindfulness and gratitude invites us to enjoy God’s presence continually. James 1:17 reminds us:
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”
By consciously acknowledging God as the source of all good things, you’ll find your heart filled with gratitude and delight.
4. Choose Joy in the Midst of Challenges
Delight in Christ isn’t limited to times of ease; it can also be a source of strength during challenges. When we face difficulties, we can choose to remember God’s faithfulness and take joy in knowing that He is with us. Habakkuk 3:17-18 expresses this beautifully:
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food… yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”
Choosing to delight in Christ in difficult times deepens our trust in Him and strengthens our faith, showing that our joy is rooted in God, not in circumstances.
5. Share God’s Delight with Others
As you delight in Christ, let that joy overflow to others. Share words of encouragement, acts of kindness, or even simple reminders of God’s love. When we delight in God, our lives become a reflection of His love and grace, and we naturally want to share it with others. Romans 15:13 reminds us:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Sharing God’s joy with others not only blesses them but also deepens our own delight in God as we become vessels of His love.
Scriptures to Focus on Throughout the Year
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
PSALM 37:4 NLT
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. PHILIPPIANS 4:4 ESV
You reveal the path of life to me;
in your presence is abundant joy;
at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
PSALM 16:11 CSB
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.
PSALM 1:2-3 NLT
Choosing “delight” as your word for 2025 is an invitation to live with joy, gratitude, and a heart open to God’s presence. Delighting in Christ is not about ignoring life’s challenges but about finding peace and joy in knowing that God is with us through it all. By seeking joy in His Word, noticing His blessings in daily life, and sharing His love with others, you’ll cultivate a heart that delights in God and finds satisfaction in Him alone.
May 2025 be a year of renewed joy, deep gratitude, and the discovery of God’s delight in your life. Let each moment be an opportunity to experience His love and goodness, and may you walk in the fullness of joy that comes from delighting in the Lord.
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